Are We All Angels

On their sophomore full-length, Are We All Angels, California quintet Scowl polish the edges of their muscular hardcore punk attack for a more accessible and ultimately catchier experience. Toning down the demonic growls and bloody mosh-pit fodder heard on 2021s How Flowers Grow, they retain the melodic approach of that albums "Seeds to Sow" and judiciously employ vocalist Kat Moss clean singing in addition to her formidable screams (as heard on highlights such as "Special," "Not Hell, Not Heaven," and the lurching "Fleshed Out"). Its an ideal balance that ends up transporting listeners back to the 90s alternative heyday, when minor-key harmonies, jagged riffs, buzzing distortion, and a detached coolness reigned. For something different, check out the elastic strut, fuzzed-out haze, and whiplash tempo switch-ups of "Tonight (Im Afraid)" for an enticing peek at what Scowl are capable of when they spread their wings outside of traditional genre boundaries. Fans of contemporary punk upstarts like Lambrini Girls, Turnstile, Amyl and the Sniffers, and the Linda Lindas should find plenty to love on Are We All Angels, a refreshing dose of no-frills, youthful punk energy. ~ Neil Z. Yeung

紅一点シンガーを擁するカリフォルニアの5人組によるセカンド・アルバム。ハードコア系のレーベルを離れ、フィービー・ブリジャーズが所属するデッド・オーシャンズからのリリースという変化がバンドに吹きはじめた追い風を物語る。そのなかでバンドは激しいスクリームを交えるヴォーカルをはじめ、自分たちのポテンシャルをダイナミックに追求。パンク/ハードコアはいまだに自分たちの根底にあると言いながら、キャッチーなメロディーと共にオルタナ・ロックという表現が相応しいスケールを手に入れた楽曲の数々は、これまでリーチできなかったリスナーにも突き刺さるに違いない。
bounce (C)山口智男